The latest news from us

Independent retailers have reshaped the way passengers buy train tickets, using modern technology and user-friendly platforms to make journey planning, ticket booking, and travel updates easier and more accessible than ever.

On Tuesday 20 January, Omio represented Independent Rail Retailers at the Railways Public Bill Committee. Speaking alongside Trainline. Together, they set out the key changes needed to protect passenger choice and deliver real value for money.

The Great British Rail Sale is back from 6 to 12 January 2026, giving passengers the chance to snap up discounted Advance and Off-Peak tickets across Britain.

“For passengers, what matters most is a better rail experience from day one: choice, value-for-money tickets, and easy-to-use booking systems….”

Today, our Chair, Anthony Smith, gave evidence to the Transport Select Committee, which examined how landmark reforms to the railways could lead to improvements for passengers, accessibility and a simpler ticketing system.

This month, we sat down with Joe Sikking, Director at Raileasy, to ask the big question: Is rail travel really that easy? 

Independent Rail Retailers welcome the rail fare freeze and the positive impact it will have for passengers

As we head into one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, independent rail retailers continue to lead the way by providing value-for-money tickets for passengers.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) have today responded to the introduction of the Railways Bill to Parliament, describing it as “opening the door to meaningful reform” with the potential to benefit passengers, taxpayers, and the wider industry.

This month, we caught up with James Watson, Managing Director at OnTrack Retail, to talk about what it really means to put passengers first.

Independent Rail Retailers had the pleasure of attending and sponsoring the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) recent event on Whole System Planning. Hosted at Salesforce’s London offices, the event brought together industry leaders to explore how investment, innovation, and collaboration can shape the future of rail.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander was reported by the Financial Times as describing the renationalisation of trains as part of a rail “revolution” designed to cut public subsidies, improve services, and “put more bums on seats.”

We’re proud to sponsor Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail series on Whole System Planning.

“As MPs examine the forthcoming bill over the autumn, I urge them to consider: will the passenger experience improve from day one?

This month, we caught up with Darren Williams, Managing Director at Evolvi, to chat about emerging trends and the changing face of business travel.

The future of Britain’s railways has often been described with a mix of hope and scepticism. It’s no secret the railways need help to get back on track (mind the pun). But things are changing. With the right people in place and the right commitments being made, Britain’s rail future is looking brighter but we […]

This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Catriona Meehan, Director of Public Affairs at Omio – our newest member at Independent Rail Retailers.

Just over 25 years ago, Britain sold its first train ticket online. Fast forward to today, and passengers enjoy more choice than ever, from mobile apps and websites to contactless payments. Independent rail retailers have been central to this transformation, using technology to make train travel easier, more affordable, and more accessible – but now’s not the time to stand still.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) launched a new prospectus setting out a clear vision for the future of rail retailing highlighting the key role independent retailers play in modernising the passenger experience, growing rail use, and supporting a competitive, customer-first rail industry. 

As we celebrate Better Transport Week 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the role independent rail retailers play in building a better-connected, fairer transport future.

Anthony Smith, Chair at IRR, took the stage to deliver a keynote on unlocking growth through innovation, customer-centric retail strategies, and industry collaboration.

Independent Rail Retailers is taking part in this year’s upcoming Better Transport Week conference, hosted by Campaign for Better Transport on Friday 20 June 2025 at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Anthony Smith, Chair at IRR, takes part in the upcoming Rail Passenger Experience online conference, hosted by Rail Technology Magazine on 12 June 2025.

Last week, our Chair, Anthony Smith, spoke at the Railfuture conference on the future of regional and national rail. It was a well-informed, passionate audience – united by one goal: getting more people back on rail.

As the future of rail retailing evolves, there’s a major opportunity to grow industry revenue, cut costs, and rebuild passenger confidence – not by focusing solely on transactions, but by selling the experience of travel.

With the rail reform consultation now closed, the big question is: what’s next? 

Independent Rail Retailers is proud to support Campaign for Better Transport’s Better Transport Week 2025.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on rail reform, “A Railway Fit for Britain’s future”, with a clear call to put passengers first. 

Anthony Smith, Chair at Independent Rail Retailers has responded to Christian Wolmar’s sentiments on ‘How Great British Railways can help lift the gloom’.

Independent rail retailers are changing the game for rail travel in Great Britain

For years, the annual fare rise cycle was a triple own goal for the rail industry. The dreaded January price hikes arrived at the worst possible time – after Christmas, in the cold and dark, when commuters were already reluctant to return to work. It made for great headlines, but bad optics. 

With the announcement that Great British Railways is going to be selling its own tickets, the future for the retail market is going to be very competitive and consumer-focused.

The way we buy train tickets in Britain is changing. With the government pressing ahead with rail reform, now is the time to ask: what do passengers actually want? Find out more from our Chair, Anthony Smith in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

Independent Rail Retailers welcome this long-awaited step towards rail reform and the Government’s commitment to working with the private retail sector to create a fair, competitive market that delivers better value for passengers and taxpayers.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) are pleased to announce Omio as the latest addition to its growing network of members.

Following the announcement of Great British Railways’ plans for online rail ticket retailing, Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said…

Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, recently joined industry leaders at the Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail Series: Demand.

Independent Rail Retailers welcome the Rail Sale to help passengers save even more money. 

Independent Rail Retailers are proud sponsor’s of Railway Industry Association’s Future of Rail: Demand event.

We’re on a mission to grow the market for rail travel by making it simpler, easier and better value to travel by train. That’s why we’ve partnered with Transport Ticketing Global to showcase key industry developments and cutting-edge ticketing solutions from around the world.

Last month, Anthony Smith, Chair at the IRR, took part in Transport Ticketing Global’s Travel & Transport Payments Week: Digital Edition seminar.

“Cost pressures are bearing down on the rail industry. Revenue is rising, but not fast enough to cover the £2 billion gap between operating subsidy and income. How can the government move forward?” Find out more from the Chair of the IRR in the latest RailReview article.

Anthony Smith, Chair at Independent Rail Retailers hosted the Ticketing panel at the annual Railway Industry Association conference, bringing together Mark Plowright, Divya Prashanth, Martin Howell and Stewart Fox-Mills from across the rail sector to discuss the future of fares, ticketing, and retail.

“Now more than ever, passengers are seeking the best value for their money. Here at Independent Rail Retailers, our members work to make travel more affordable and convenient.”

“The railway needs to become a more retail-oriented organisation…People have choices about when to travel, how to travel and whether to travel at all”

“IRR members are passionate about making it simpler for customers to choose to travel by rail, and helping the industry fill empty seats”.

Read Rail Director magazine’s interview with Anthony Smith, Chair of IRR, as he discusses the vital role that independent retailers must play in the future of rail ticketing, and his own immediate priorities for the year ahead.

With no need for government funding, independent rail retailers could generate significant additional revenue for the railways. Read more in the latest edition of Passenger Transport, where Chair of the IRR, Anthony Smith dives into the role of independent rail retailers.

Watch the latest episode of the Green Signals podcast where the Chair of Independent Rail Retailers talks about the opportunities and challenges in the rail sector.

Discover more about how independent rail retailers can boost train usage and revenue, aiding the new government in creating a thriving rail industry.

Anthony Smith became the new Chair of Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) today after stepping down from his role as Chief Executive at Transport Focus.

Following today’s launch of the Virgin Trains Ticketing ‘Charter for Change’,  Anthony Smith, Chairman of Independent Rail Retailers said…